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This has been one of those weeks that started off being simple and ended being crazy and stressful (more about that to come). My weekend will be filled with plenty of fall activities such as a trip to the cider mill and decorating my balcony. What are your weekend plans?

Earlier in the year I took a trip to Louisiana. It was my
first time in the south and immediately I fell in love with the nostalgic towns
featuring cobblestone sidewalks, monogrammed gates and elaborate porches. The
porches were like nothing I had ever seen before, large or small they were decorated
and awaiting Mardi Gras. While admiring the porches in the Garden District one
of the home owners informed me that the porch is the first thing people see
when they pass by or enter the house, and it’s important to decorate like you
would a room in your home. Ever since that moment I have been dreaming of
having the perfect porch to decorate. Here are some of my favorite fall
porches. Do you decorate your porch?

1. Visit a cider mill and enjoy cider and donuts
2. Make a batch of your favorite cookies
3. Take pictures in the leaves
4. Make caramel apples
5. Tailgate at a football game
6. Buy a fabulous new sweater
7. Make caramel corn
8. Build a scarecrow
9. Bake a pie
10. Go for a nature hike
11. Visit an orchard and pick apples or pumpkins
12. Construct an autumn wreath
13. Go on a hayride
14. Create your own candles
15. Have a picnic
16. Make popcorn balls
17. Visit a craft show or flea market
18. Create leaf art
19. Bake a loaf of homemade bread
20. Host a pumpkin carving party

To me it’s not fall until you are sitting outside on a cool crisp day enjoying a glass of freshly pressed apple cider, along with a cinnamon and sugared donut, basking in the aroma of the cider mill. This weekend I brought the aroma of the cider mill inside with apple cider caramels.

Directions1. Pour cider into a medium saucepan and boil on high for 25 minutes or until the cider is reduced to 1/3 cup. Set aside to cool. 2. Grease an 8 inch square pan with butter, set aside. 3. In a small bowl, combine 2/3 cup cream, cinnamon, nutmeg and reduced apple cider, set aside. 4. In a one( or two) cup glass (or plastic) measuring cup combine sugar, 1/3 cup cream and enough water to reach the ½ c line on the measuring cup and corn syrup. Add to a large, heavy saucepan, and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Insert the candy thermometer and simmer until syrup reaches 234 degrees.5. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the cream mixture. Add the butter and stir until the cream and butter are fully incorporated. Return the pan to heat and re-insert the candy thermometer. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until it reaches softball stage (248 degrees). 6. Remove from heat and pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Allow mixture to cool completely at room temperature. I covered mine loosely and left it overnight. Cut caramels and wrap in parchment or waxed paper. Store in an airtight container, in the refrigerator (up to two weeks) or in the freezer (up to six months).

There are some classic elements that many Michiganders look
forward to when it comes to fall. Cool crisp air, a gorgeous foliage color
display, picking pumpkins and apples and of course visiting a cider mill for
donuts and cider. Ever since I could walk my mum would take me to an orchard to
pick apples and pumpkins, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate
the arrival of fall then with a trip to Blake Farms.We picked our own apples, pumpkins and when we went inside
they were actually pressing apples for cider. I think the process is
fascinating to watch, and a unique experience I had to share with you.

Sometimes on a chilly night nothing is better than curling up on the couch with a good book. So why not hold your place with a monogrammed bookmark. Just download, add your monogram and print on cardstock.

When it comes to fall décor I love to bring in various outdoor elements. One of my favorite ways to decorate at a dinner party is turning apples into a candleholder. The look is simple, but chic and budget friendly.

{you will need an apple, tealight candle and a knife}

{cut a hole in the center of your apple a little over a half inch deep}

Saturday evening the temperature started to dip into the 50’s making it the perfect opportunity to head to the kitchen, crank the oven and make some cookies. To me oatmeal cookies have a comforting smell and taste. Making it the quintessential cookie to bake during the fall.

New York Fashion Week S/S 2013 has come to a close. When it comes to nails white seems to be a big trend for spring, the accent nail is out and new nail art is in. Which of these nail looks do you love or want to try?

{Honor: apply a shiny top coat or a softer white over bright white to soften}